Justice Department Again Fires Street Gang Prosecutor

OTHER NEWS TO NOTE - MIDWEST

November 29, 1996

CHICAGO — The prosecutor who led the federal government's case against the city's notorious El Rukn street gang has again been fired by the Justice Department. William Hogan Jr., an assistant U.S. attorney in Chicago, first was dismissed in April, but the Justice Department agreed in July to reconsider. Hogan, 45, then was reinstated on paid leave to his $98,000-a-year job and given back pay while the department took another look at the matter. But Hogan said he was fired again, effective last week. Hogan helped convict more than 50 El Rukn members.But dozens won new trials or lesser prison sentences after federal judges ruled that Hogan concealed drug use by two key government witnesses who were former gang leaders.